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Foam Recycling Resources

Pointe-Claire and Beaconsfield make strides in recycling with collection

Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada is the latest community that is beginning to collect polystyrene foam for recycling. They are holding a foam collection event where residents in the city and surrounding communities can come and drop off their polystyrene products. The collection will be held on October 3, 2015 at the Public Works Yard, located on 50, Terra Cotta Ave., and will go from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Polystyrene items are identified by a symbol of a number six inside a triangle. Individuals participating in the collection should clean all items and remove any labels, absorbent pads, and aluminum lids before the drop off.

Pointe-Claire’s Mayor, Morris Trudeau, hopes that the “initiative becomes a permanent facet of waste collection for Pointe-Claire by next year.”

Communities across the country of Canada have committed to recycling polystyrene. During late August the community of Beaconsfield held a polystyrene collection and was able to gather more than 500 pounds of polystyrene foam. On the West Island Chronicle, the polystyrene collection was organized through the Canadian Plastics Industry Association.

Polystyrene foam is a lightweight and easily recyclable material. After being collected at drop-off locations or in some communities at curbside, it is put into a machine called a densifier where it is compacted and condensed into blocks that make it easier to ship to manufacturers around the world. These facilities take the foam and turn it into products like picture frames, interior moulding and park benches.

Have you ever wondered how you can start recycling polystyrene foam in your community? Check out these recycling tips that explain the foam recycling process. The process is seamless, and can leverage a city’s existing curbside recycling infrastructure. As more cities and organizations adopt foam #6 recycling programs, the demand for processors, brokers, pelletizers and manufacturers will grow. Connect with potential customers by becoming a recycling partner. Check out this form here to get started! To find a market for your foam #6, see our full list of foam #6 buyers.